2009 Saint John, NB Canada FAQ and Interactive Cruise Ship Visitor's Map

[anno]

SO much great information on this thread. Thank you so much. We will be on the Carnival Triumph in a few weeks. I want to know if there are any tours to take us to see whales? Of course we will only be there from 8am to 6pm.

Thank you for all your help.

[Acey]

Thanks for the names and locations. I was looking at a calander of events as one called Buskers on the Boardwalk going on while I'm in port. It looks like street performers & comedy acts. Is it worth a look?

 

Buskers are always good - they come from different areas of the world. I'm sure you'll be pleased.

[Diva Onboard]

Sapper1 - Thank you for your comments. Just the type of information we are looking for. It will certianly help us in making a decision.

 

It seems as if we can do all the old St. John City tours on our own because it is so close to the pier.

 

Thanks again.

[sapper1]

Sapper1 - Thank you for your comments. Just the type of information we are looking for. It will certianly help us in making a decision.

 

It seems as if we can do all the old St. John City tours on our own because it is so close to the pier.

 

Thanks again.

You're welcome--happy to help. In case you have not noticed this link further back in this thread, I will post it here again.

 

www.cruisesaintjohn.com

[sept10dsm]

You're welcome--happy to help. In case you have not noticed this link further back in this thread, I will post it here again.

 

www.cruisesaintjohn.com

I was just looking at the things to do section and the first tip is to book through the cruise lines. It sounds like most tours are only available that way. I was kind of surprised to read this.

[Diva Onboard]

Sapper1 and Sept10dsm -

 

Great website. The Department of Tourism for St. John's appears to really have everything well organized.

 

We can't wait to see St. John.

[seadrifter]

Acey, since you started this thread, thank you for all the valuable information you have given. Also, Sapper1 - thank you for helping fill us all in on what to see and do in St. John. DH and I have really enjoyed reading both of your posts and visiting the links you have provided.

[pumbaa70]

Great Cruise and nice meeting everyone

[NancyIL]

Thanks for the great info on this thread! As this will be our first visit to Saint John in September, I decided to book the 2.5-hour Saint John Highlights Tour through the ship - giving us the rest of the afternoon to enjoy walking around the downtown area.

[CRUISIN2X2]

loved all the information contained in here, however, I had one questions please. Is there a tide table that tells when the reversing falls tide changes are for specific days? Thanks lots, Keith

 

 

 

The interactive map with pictures and information for cruise ship visitors is here:

http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=113622691357371816646.000462694d0c1da036bf0&ll=45.274252,-66.06019&spn=0.013439,0.027466&z=15

 

You can refer to this map for information about attractions, restaurants and car rentals.

 

Here are some frequently asked questions about Saint John. You can refer to the map for locations mentioned in the FAQ. If you have any questions not answered by the FAQ, please post as we have locals that are more than happy to help out.

 

1. Where does the ship dock in Saint John?

 

Saint John has 2 cruise ship docking areas. The main cruise ship terminal (built new for 2009) is Pugsley Terminal located right downtown. The second terminal is Long Wharf, located a 10 minute walk to downtown along the boardwalk or a short complimentary shuttle ride. For a perspective of where the terminals are, go to:

http://www.sjport.com/english/port_services/cruise_ships.html

The Princess ship is located at Pugsley Terminal, while the Royal Caribbean ship is located at Long Wharf. To find out where your ship will be docking, see: http://www.cruisesaintjohn.com/visitsaintjohn/cruiseschedule.asp

 

2. What is the weather like and what clothes should I bring?

 

In the summer months into September the days are pleasant around 70 degrees, however may be cooler in the morning or remain cool all day if it is foggy. If your excursion takes you inland, it will be warmer than along the coast. You should bring a light jacket onshore and pants as the fog can roll in and drop the temperature quickly. In October and November it is definately cooler and you should bring a warm jacket.

 

3. Are there attractions nearby the ship?

 

Yes. There are many attractions in the vicinity of the ship. The most popular is the Old Saint John City Market (1840); Market Square including the New Brunswick Museum; Barbour's General Store; Loyalist House; Loyalist Burial Ground; Imperial Theatre; Reversing Falls Jet Boat Ride; Harbour Passage Walking Trail around the harbour and Trinity Royal Heritage Preservation Area (containing some of the oldest buildings in Canada). Information on these attractions can be found at www.tourismsaintjohn.com and the interactive map from the link on top.

 

4. How do I get to Reversing Falls?

You can walk to Reversing Falls in about 40 minutes. Follow the cranberry coloured Harbour Passage Walking Trail by the dock until it ends on Douglas Ave. outside the old New Brunswick Museum. Walk down Douglas Ave. until you reach the Reversing Falls Bridge. The lookout is on the other side of the Bridge. On the way there is an alternative viewing site called Fallsview Park. There are also taxis available to take you to the falls (approx. $7 CDN per car) or you could take a city bus from the front of City Hall for $2.25 (Route #4 West) - just let the driver know you want off at the falls so you don't have to worry about where to get off. The bus stops at Reversing Falls on the way back to the downtown area (Route East). If you are mobility impaired, there are low floor wheelchair accessible buses going to the falls at 8:15 9:55 11:35 1:15 2:55 and coming back from the falls at 8:50 10:30 12:10 1:50 3:30

 

5. Are there car rental agencies nearby?

Yes. If you are docking at Pugsley Terminal, AVIS is on the same street (turn left and go two blocks when leaving dock area). If you are docking at Long Wharf, AVIS and Enterprise are of equal distance. To get to Enterprise from Long Wharf, exit the gates and go to the far end of Harbour Station (large building with robin's blue roof) - it is located across the street. To get to AVIS from Long Wharf, take the complimentary shuttle and it will drop you off at Market Square by AVIS. If you can't spot it, and a local cruise guide will be there to assist you.

 

6. Do I need to rent a car to see Saint John?

 

If you are just looking to stay in Saint John itself and not take an excursion to St. Martins, I recommend not renting a car. Saint John has streets layed out from the mid 1700's with many confusing one way and willy nilly street patterns and mind boggling intersections like Simm's Corner on the way to Irving Nature Park and Martello Tower. The bus system is easy to use and taxis are relatively cheap. Best of all, you can walk around the historic part of the city where most of the attractions are located.

 

7. Is Saint John mobility impaired friendly?

Yes. Harbour Passage trail is fully accessible, as is Market Square, Brunswick Square Shopping Centre and the Old City Market. Saint John does have hills in the cruise ship area, but can be overcome by using the "inside passage pedway system" in the complexes mentioned above using elevators.

 

8. Can a child or senior go on the Reversing Falls Jet Boat Ride? Do you get wet on the ride? Where do I find out information on this attraction?

Every participant must be 42" tall. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. During two hours at low tide, all participants must be atleast 13 years old. The ride is not for pregnant women or individuals with back problems. You will get wet, so bring a change of clothes and a towel. Their website is http://www.jetboatrides.com

 

9. Are there unique shops in the cruise ship area?

 

There are many small family-owned shops in the area selling unique items and souvenirs. The main shopping areas are the Trinity Royal Heritage Preservation Area (old section of city where ship docks); Brunswick Square Shopping Centre and the Old Saint John City Market. In addition there is a tent set up along the dock with locals selling crafts and souvenirs along with a local craft market at Loyalist Plaza.

 

10. Is there a drug store/pharmacy in the area?

The closest drug store is Lawton's Drugs (similar to CVS or Eckerd) located on the first level of the Brunswick Square Shopping Centre.

 

11. What is there to do for children in the area?

The New Brunswick Museum in Market Square has exhibits of interest to children, including a 40' North Atlantic Right Whale. Along Harbour Passage Walking Trail under the Harbour Bridge is an area to watch the harbour seals play in the water. The Canada Games Aquatic Centre ($5.00)(www.aquatics.nb.ca) has an Olympic size pool with diving boards and platforms, water slide, tarzan rope, water toys along with 3 other leisure pools and 2 hottubs. The Old City Market has vendors that sell home-made candy. UZone on King St. is a swanky XBox gaming centre and Internet cafe http://www.uzonecanada.ca/j10/ (under 19 must be accompanied by an adult). There is a skate board park located outside the gates of Long Wharf.

 

12. Where can I find Internet Access and free WIFI service?

 

Cheap Internet Access is available at the top of the Old Saint John City Market ($3.00/hr) - take the elevator to the third floor to PRUDE Community Access Centre. UZone on King St. is a modern Internet cafe.

Jave Moose has WIFI service at their cafe's located on Prince William Street and in the Old Saint John City Market.

 

13. Do merchants take American Dollars?

 

Merchants takes American Dollars at a fair exchange rate; however most will give back Canadian Dollars in change. Ask before purchasing what their policy is. Credit cards are widely accepted if you do not wish to accumulate Canadian currency.

 

14. Do taxis offer tours?

 

Yes, taxis are waiting should you wish to go on a city-wide tour. There is a set rate as the cabs do not have meters.

 

15. Is there a major shopping centre nearby with large department stores?

McAllister Place Shopping Centre and big box stores are located in East Saint John and is $10 by taxi.

 

16. Are there good locations to take a picture of the ship in the harbour?

The best location is atop Fort Howe, the hill overlooking the end of the harbour. Bus tours will make a stop here or a taxi will take you. Alternatively you can take a picture of the ship from across the harbour by following the Harbour Passage Trail and stopping at the Harbour Bridge footing course for a great perspective.

 

17. Can you recommend a seafood restaurant?

There are 3 great seafood restaurants in the area. Grannan's is located in Market Square; Steamer's Lobster Company is located across the street from the cruise ship dock; and Billy's Seafood is located at the top end of the Old Saint John City Market. All are great restaurants; however Billy's is consistently rated by locals as the best in an annual survey by a local publication. All have outdoor patios.

 

18. Where can I buy Cuban cigars?

Howard's Tobacco - exit the top end of the Old Saint John City Market on Charlotte St. and the store is on the immediate left of the market entrance. John's Tobacco - along the "inside passage pedway" on the 2nd level of Brunswick Square across from Tim Horton's Donuts.

Remember US law prohibits you from bringing them back into the USA.

 

19. Are there beaches nearby?

You will require a car to go to nearby beaches. The water of the Bay of Fundy is very cold. There are swimming lakes in Rockwood Park that are a pleasant temperature.

 

20. Can you recommend an area for photographers for unique features of the city? Is there a camera store that offers same day or 1 hour photofinishing?

The area immediately off the ship is rich in architecture and history. I recommend exploring this area, including Princess St., Trinity Church, King's Square, Queen's Square, and the Loyalist Burial Ground. Appleby's offers 1 hour and same-day photofinishing. They are located to the left of the Old Saint John City Market on Germain St.

 

21. Is there a liquor store near the ship?

 

The liquor store is located in Prince Edward Square - kitty corner from the far end of the Loyalist Burial Ground.

 

22. Are there banks nearby?

 

All major Canadian banks are represented on King St. and all have bank machines.

 

23. Are there local pubs you can recommend?

 

Princess St. across from the cruise terminal has well-recognized local pubs in the area, including O'Leary's and Callahan's.

 

24. I'm travelling with a medical condition. What kind of care can I expect if I have a medical emergency in Saint John?

Saint John has an excellent acute care facility with highly specialized tertiary services, including trauma and cardiac care.

 

25. What time zone is Saint John in?

 

Saint John is in the Atlantic Time Zone, which is 1 hour ahead of Eastern Time Zone. Ship's time may not be adjusted, so make sure you know what time to be back to the ship.

 

26. Is it true you receive a gift for coming ashore?

 

Women receive a fresh long-stem rose and men receive a souvenir pin.

 

27. What are some interesting facts about the area?

 

Where the ship docks was settled by Loyalists fleeing the USA in 1785. Benedict Arnold made Saint John his home for a few years. Hollywood actors Donald Sutherland and Walter Pigeon were born here. You can catch a glimpse of the largest oil refinery in Canada (350,000 bpd) by walking through King's Square and continuing down King St East for 4 blocks until you reach Courtney Bay. Here you will also see ships loading refined fuels destined for the USA Northeast. Saint John has become known as the "Energy Hub" of the northeast. New energy projects include a second nuclear power plant, second 350,000 bpd oil refinery and a Liquified Natural Gas Terminal. The city proper has approx. 69,000 people, with 123,000 people in the immediate region.

 

28. Are there any restaurants that offer an English traditional afternoon tea?

The Infusion tea room offers afternoon tea. (http://www.sjcitymarket.ca/merchants/infusion.html)

 

29. Can you recommend any hidden gems in the city, maybe off the beaten path? (Note: These are my personal opinions and I'm not compensated in any way)

Treat yourself with something from the Feel Good store at 89 Germain St.

 

Want to know what a store looked and felt like in the late 1800's and early 1900's? Step into Imprint bookstore near the bottom of King St.

 

Try some Gelato from Opera Bistro on Prince William St. and be transported to Italy.

 

Go to a corner store and buy a Cadbury chocolate bar you can't buy in the USA, including Wunderbar, Mr. Big, Crispy Crunch, Sweet Marie and Caramilk.

 

Go sit and have an ice cream from the city market at the Beaver Fountain in Loyalist Burial Ground.

 

Take a $2 tour of the Imperial Theatre on King's Square and be awed as you step back in time.

 

Rent a small Karaoke room for you and your friends at Sun and Star lounge on the corner of Germain St. and Grannan St.

 

Try a local favorite cafe - Java Moose on Prince William St. or the Old City Market.

 

Explore art galleries in the area, including Peter Buckland Gallery and Handworks Gallery.

 

Sit and people watch in King's Square, or to have some quiet solitude and step back into time, sit in Queen Square 3 blocks to the south. Samuel de Champlain will keep you company.

 

Try to get into Beatty and the Bistro in the Admiral Beatty building on King's Square - recognized in "Where to Eat in Canada".

 

Visit Barbour's General Store to really feel like you've got sucked into a time machine.

 

Visit the Hayward and Warwick's China (glassware) museum on Princess St.

 

Visit the Keirstead's Flower Museum above the flower shop at 143 Charlotte St.

 

For some great Canadiana, visit the Roots factory outlet at the East Point Shopping Centre.

 

Go to Quality Convenience store on King St. for the best (and most affordable) Thai food from the "Thai Hut" in the back of the store. Enjoy while listening to Latin music and people watching.

 

Go to the infamous Tim Horton's Donut shop on King St. to find out what a double-double is.

 

Sit amongst and blend in with the wooden dummies at the Market Square clock and people watch.

 

Find a hidden treasure from one of the few pond shops along Union St.

 

Shop for risque lingerie at Xclusive Boutique on Waterloo St.

[mrsjitts]

Any advice on how to find a pub crawl. The Carnival excursion is very expensive?

[Acey]

Any advice on how to find a pub crawl. The Carnival excursion is very expensive?

 

The pubs are all in the same vicinity :

http://www.olearyspub.com/

Callahan's Pub

Melvin's Bar

Market Square Boardwalk (including Saint John Ale House)

 

I'm not sure of the hours of these places.

[goldengirl]

hi

going in sept on QM2

 

we will be there on a SUnday.

 

Does any one know if SUnday has a different schedule for the bus?

 

if you have the info i would appreciate it, or if you know the name of the bus

 

company that info would be appreciated to

 

thasnk you

[sapper1]

Okay I have been to Saint John and have never seen Barbor's General Store. Is it across from Pugsley Terminal or near the Square? We are visiting in October so I want to make sure we go.

 

Thank everyone for their information given in this thread. One of my favorite stops is here. When we went last year we had a beautiful send off from a bagpiper it was so nice. This is one of the friendlist town ever.

 

Thanks again.

Hi CasaSmith---We are on the same cruise in Sept. I have checked the cruise schedule and the Eurodam will be docking at Long Wharf instead of the new Pugsley Terminal. The Crystal Symphony gets the honour of the new terminal that day.

To get to Barbour's General Store from Long Wharf, just turn right onto the cranberry coloured path as you leave the wharf. Walk along the path and up the stairs onto the boardwalk behind the Hilton. That continues around and into the Loyalist Plaza area. If you walk through the plaza area into the intersection at the bottom of King Street you will see the General Store sitting across the intersection from you. You can see this area from the ship just before it docks. Just look beyond the Hilton and to the right a bit.

Looking forward to meeting you at the meet and greet.

[CasaSmith]

Sapper1,

 

Thanks for the reply. We have been twice and I have missed it both times. Last time they had some vendors on the Loyalist Plaza and never looked in that direction.

 

I see we are both on the same cruise and can not wait to meet everyone. I can not believe it is only a couple months away. I am so excited.

 

Thanks again and see you in couple months.

[travelbig]

loved all the information contained in here, however, I had one questions please. Is there a tide table that tells when the reversing falls tide changes are for specific days? Thanks lots, Keith

 

 

http://www.lau.chs-shc.gc.ca

click on the square that shows the Reversing Falls, (top small square on left side of map) , then click on Reversing Falls. It only shows 7 days at a time. Click on the next square to the right and get the tidal times for St. Martins the same way (click on St. Martins). Once again, it only shows 7 days at a time. You will have to wait closer to your visit to get the tides for your day.

[crusinmama06]

I just realized that I never came back to thank you for all of the wonderful info that this thread provided me when we were planning our cruise to Saint John (last month, June 09)

 

So we're back. :D And I have to say, THE MOST FRIENDLIEST PEOPLE EVER! Just wonderful! You step into the terminal, the ladies are handed a rose, the gentlemen a pin and the kids a Candian flag. Wonderful people everywhere -- so nice.

 

We decided to go with Freedom Tours and did the Fundy Coast to Fundy Shore Tour (included Reversing Falls and St. Martin Sea Caves). It was great for us because we could customize it to what was interesting to US. :) And with the kids, it was perfect.

 

I wrote out my complete review about Saint John and St. Martin Sea Caves here....

http://cruisingwithchildren.blogspot.com/2009/07/saint-john-new-brunswick-fundy-coast-to.html

 

We found that it was much better to go with a private tour in this port. It really made the trip.

[sept10dsm]

I just realized that I never came back to thank you for all of the wonderful info that this thread provided me when we were planning our cruise to Saint John (last month, June 09)

 

So we're back. :D And I have to say, THE MOST FRIENDLIEST PEOPLE EVER! Just wonderful! You step into the terminal, the ladies are handed a rose, the gentlemen a pin and the kids a Candian flag. Wonderful people everywhere -- so nice.

 

We decided to go with Freedom Tours and did the Fundy Coast to Fundy Shore Tour (included Reversing Falls and St. Martin Sea Caves). It was great for us because we could customize it to what was interesting to US. :) And with the kids, it was perfect.

 

I wrote out my complete review about Saint John and St. Martin Sea Caves here....

http://cruisingwithchildren.blogspot.com/2009/07/saint-john-new-brunswick-fundy-coast-to.html

 

We found that it was much better to go with a private tour in this port. It really made the trip.

We will be going again in Oct to St. John (3rd time). Yes, St. John is the favorite for me as well. The people are so nice and make you feel very welcomed!! Halifax is my second favorite for the people as well!!

[MrsBBuffalo]

Really nice excursion report, Michele. Thank you! We were there last year on a ship's ex, but we were the only ship in port. This year it is earlier and there will be another, bigger ship in port with us. I will email freedom tours for a quote for a tour for the 3 of us to get us to St. Martin in time to walk out to the caves.

 

This entire thread is WONDERFUL! Lots of helpful information, even if you have visited Saint John before. Thanks to all!

[sam's girl]

Our ship is the only one in port on Sunday, Oct. 11. Some of the shops look wonderful, but I'm afraid nothing will be open since it's not only a Sunday, but also Thanksgiving weekend. Is anything special going on for the holiday that we shouldn't miss?

[Loann]

I would think the shops should be open as usual but we have a shorter shopping day on Sundays (usually from 12-5). As for special events, I would say other than last minute turkey buying at the local grocery stores, not much. It's pretty much a family gathering, eat till you're stuffed kind of thing. Some people have Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday and some on Monday. Stores will be closed Monday. It will be peak time for fall foliage here.

[sam's girl]

That's pretty much what I figured. Thank you for the information, we will enjoy our day in St. John I'm sure, no matter what. We're at 59 days and counting. The excitement is growing.

[Bela]

Thanks again for all the supurb info and links on this thread. It is SO much of a help! I did have a couple of questions/clarifications though :0...

If we just take the taxi to Reversing Falls, is it truly best to go at high tide, low tide, high slag or low slag times? We may try to go out twice while we're in port (8a-6p ships time) but I want to hone in on ONE best time to see the power of the reversing current and/or the falls/whirpools.

Also, someone mentioned a water taxi from the restaurant to the market area by the ships (we're at Pugsley). Any more info on this? $? location?

 

Thankyou again for all your help!

[Acey]

Thanks again for all the supurb info and links on this thread. It is SO much of a help! I did have a couple of questions/clarifications though :0...

If we just take the taxi to Reversing Falls, is it truly best to go at high tide, low tide, high slag or low slag times? We may try to go out twice while we're in port (8a-6p ships time) but I want to hone in on ONE best time to see the power of the reversing current and/or the falls/whirpools.

Also, someone mentioned a water taxi from the restaurant to the market area by the ships (we're at Pugsley). Any more info on this? $? location?

 

Thankyou again for all your help!

 

I think it's best to visit during one of the extreme's - either high tide or low tide. As for the water taxi - unfortunately I don't think they have it anymore. There is a reversing falls tour boat from Market Square for those who are not interested in the jet boat ride. Their website is:

http://www.jetboatrides.com/

[LiftLockCouple]

Attached are some photos from a recent trip to Saint John. Included are Barbours General Store, the path towards the Reversing Falls from the pier, a Fox seen on the coastal rocks from the Irving Nature Park Trail, and the view from the hill overlooking the Reversing Falls towards the Cruise terminal. As you can see the tide is high so there is not much flow at the falls. In this picture you can also see the observation platform at the end of the trail from the Cruise Piers.